Cusian's of 2008

For part of our 2008 Preview of CuseAdelphia, we are going to break down the figures in both cities who have the biggest impact on their respective city. Today we'll take a look at who in Syracuse will play the biggest role in Syracuse sports. I asked several bloggers and the staff here at CuseAdelphia to name their most influential. Thanks to Troy Nunes and Three Idiots on Sports for helping us out.

1. Darryl Gross: If Greg Robinson falters, Gross is going down with him. That is, if he sticks around long enough. He controls the fate of SU Athletics which makes him number one.

2. Greg Robinson: Greg Robinson's fate will be determined by the performance of the football team. Another poor season from the Orange not only affects Robinson's tenure but the national and financial position of Syracuse University. It cannot be expressed enough how important it is for the Orange to rebound in 2008.If SU continues to be less than even lackluster in 2008, will Gross still stick with G-Rob? If not, this could turn into a case of the Isaiahs, with fans booing and protesting that he be fired. Just to clear things up, no sexual harassment charges for G-Rob. That's only Isaiah. Don't want this comparison to be taken the wrong way…

3. Nancy Cantor: While she's not directly related to the sports programs, she has the final say on whether or not Greg Robinson will return. And Daryl Gross too. She makes her presence known at every football game down on the field.

4. Jim Boeheim: No one is more associated with Syracuse University and his impact on and off the court is always paramount. With a crop of young talent, Jim Boeheim has to perform one of his best coaching jobs ever to get the young guns to play all-around solid basketball to get this team back to the NCAA tournament.

5. Andrew Robinson: With a lot of talent at the skilled positions around him, this will be a make or break year for Andrew Robinson. Andrew will confirm whether or not he's to be named in the same breathe as Donovan McNabb and Don McPherson or alongside Troy Nunes and R.J. Anderson.

6. Donte Green: Even if he goes pro after this season, he'll have people in Syracuse talking all the way through the draft. He'll be leader on the court for this team through the end of this season. If he returns for 2008-2009, look for him to be up towards number for the most influential people of 2008 when we look back at this year next year.

7. Quentin Hillsman: Coach Q has quickly assembled one of the greatest women's basketball teams in the program's history. This team will quickly begin to make a big impact on the Syracuse athletic community as it's only a matter of time until the community comes out in droves to watch the ladies play. If the women's team makes good in 2008 on their amazing start, SU could soon become a baksetball destination for both sexes.

8. Mike Leveille - Leveille is going to be the leader on this team. They HAVE TO rebound in 2008 and Leveille will be the one to lead them to redemption. NCAA lacrosse has become too competitive and SU's schedule is too tough for them to start slow.

9. Delone Carter/Curtis Brinkley, Doug Hogue - One of them will need to assert themselves as the starting halfback. Each of them has positives and each has drawbacks but one will need to step up or Syracuse is doomed to another season without a running game. Number five on our list Andrew Robinson needs one of these three guys to step it up and help him establish this offense as a real threat.

10. Gary Gait: What better way to help a team get over the hump than hire one of the best to ever play the game. That's what number one on our list Darryl Gross did to help women's lacrosse try to get over the hump. Gary Gait is a pioneer to the game and hopes to bring his skills and knowledge to the women's game. The Ladies had a great season last year and with most of their key parts still in place, a big season ahead is definitely possible behind Gary Gait.

Others considered but didn't make the cut:
From Football: Ernie Davis - "The Express" will finally make Davis' story a worldwide one. It will affix the national spotlight on Syracuse and specifically the football program. A fitting tribute and a fantastic stage for the Orange. Mike Williams: Could have the best season in the history of the program for a wide receiver in 2008. But will he go pro after next year? Max Suter: Will he turn into more than just a dynamic kick return threat?

Basketball: Jonny Flynn- If Donte Green goes pro, this will be Jonny's team to lead. Paul Harris: Without Josh Wright, Eric Devendorf, and Andy Rautins, it's up to the sophomore to lead his team in Big East play. Can Harris provide this leadership?

Lacrosse: Pete Coluccini: The junior had a subpar season last year and SU failed to make the NCAAs for the first time in 25 years. It's extremely cliché but 100% true: defense wins championships. The road back to the tournament and living up to the Orange's LAX reputation starts with the anchor of the defense: the goalie.

Women's Basketball: Chandrea Jones/Fantasia Goodwin - This dynamic duo has the chance to put SU women's basketball on the map after years of mediocrity.


Also check out our articles in our 2008 Preview on the Women's Basketball team and lacrosse team.